Mr. Robert AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will be replying to the letter dated 12 January from Mr. Andrew Disnall, regarding an extraordinary audit of Westminster city council.
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesMy hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration replied to Councillor Dismore's letter on 30 January.
Mr. Robert AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to order an extraordinary audit into the affairs of Westminster city council.
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesThe Secretary of State has no such plans.
Mr. Robert AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he first became aware of the allegations of malpractice at Westminster city council; and how these were brought to his attention.
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesNeither the Audit Commission nor its appointed auditors has any duty to advise the Secretary of State of audit inquiries that may be initiated.
Since late 1991 my right hon. Friend has been aware, from coverage in the media and motions before this House, that the auditor was carrying out an investigation. The Westminster auditor published his provisional findings on 13 January 1994 which was the first occasion upon which the nature of the allegations and his investigation was confirmed. My right hon. Friend made a statement to the House on that day.